Europe imports $6bn of TV drama

The value of imported drama series for European broadcasters was $5.99 billion in 2011, with the top 200 titles supplying 81 per cent ($4,829 million) of that total. The Imported Drama Series in Europe report estimated that the top 10 titles accounted for 23 per cent ($1,400 million) of the 2011 total value, with the top 50 taking 55 per cent ($3,268 million).

Michael Cluff, co-author and Director at Madigan Cluff, said: “CBS distributed the top three titles in 2011, with NCIS leading the pack by generating $210 million. The three CSI franchises appear in the top 10. Only one of the top 10 titles (Sturm der Liebe) originated from outside the US.”